A prominent member of the Save Meadowbank campaign has been named in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours List.

Phyllis Herriot was one of the founding members of the organisation two years ago. She launched the first petition calling for Meadowbank to be saved and has spoken at several meetings of the full Edinburgh Council.

She was nominated for the honour because of her service to the community. Now aged 83, she served fifteen years in Council Chambers, first for the City Council and then for Lothian Region. She was chairperson of the social work committee, served on the health committee and was on the Royal Infirmary management board. A former Baillie and magistrate, she was a pioneer of concessionary travel passes and is still an active campaigner for several organisations including the Scottish Pensioners Forum.

She said: “It does keep me busy but I enjoy it. You don’t volunteer for these things to get recognised but I am very grateful to people who have backed this honour. I really see this honour as a recognition for everyone who works in the voluntary sector.”

Save Meadowbank spokesperson Kevin Connor congratulated her. “Phyllis is unique. She has devoted her life to campaigning on behalf of her local community. She richly deserves this honour. I’m sure she will have a word or two for the Queen when she visits Buckingham Palace to receive it!”